Immigrant activist attacked for second time in three months

Two juveniles were arrested and charged with unarmed robbery on Wednesday evening, after attacking and robbing Juan Sam, president of a local immigrant organization.

Simón Rios

NEW BEDFORD — Two juveniles were arrested and charged with unarmed robbery on Wednesday evening, after attacking and robbing Juan Sam, president of a local immigrant organization.

Detective Capt. Steven Vicente said Gang Unit officers in the area saw Sam being attacked in the parking lot of Global Learning Charter School. They intervened, arresting a 16-year-old and releasing a 15-year-old, both of whom were expected to be arraigned Thursday morning.

"One came at me and hit me on the right ear," said Juan, who was transported to St. Luke's Hospital for injuries but released shortly thereafter. On Thursday he complained of continued pain.

Sam, 39, was on his way to an event at his organization's office on Acushnet Ave., Centro Comunitario Trabajadores, where a Guatemalan activist came to speak about the human rights situation in the country.

According to police, Sam said the two young men were antagonizing him and he felt they were about to attack him. He attempted to take their pictures with his cellphone before they attacked him and took the phone.